A REGAL REVOLT | THE LEGEND : The Palace for Ayurveda originated in a royal lady’s protest. By the closing years of the 19th century, the old kingdom of Vengunad (part of central Kerala’s Malabar region) had become a loose affiliation, ruled by quarrelling chieftans.
They were all joined by blood, separated by discontent and had vastly varying degrees of loyalty to the British East India company.

The pleasant little town of Kollengode, in the Annamalai foothills, had by now it’s own Raja (King) who held title to the crescent of fertile farmlands beyond. By all accounts, he had a wasteful and arrogant temperament.

When his niece, Dhatri, at age 20, become the senior lady of Kollengode, she wanted what most people of that age want. A little space. And so, Kalari Kovilakom was born, as a reaction to her uncle’s tyranny. Here was a place of seclusion and serene vistas, where the daughters of the family could grow, away from the whims and vagaries of kings.

The palace (or ‘kovilakom’) that Dhatri built came to be known as ‘Kalari’, because it was built on a site that contained a ritual space for ‘Kalari Payattu’, Kerala’s ancient martial art. Kalari Kovilakom is the Palace for Ayurveda, perhaps the first and only one of its kind. Its face is the face of the warrior-king, elegant and expansive. But its heart is that of a sage, offering a deep healing, a doorway to the union of the mind, body and spirit.

If the old legends are to be believed, healing is part of Kalari’s very soul. Stories are told of a Prince who came to the foothills of Kerala’s Annamalai Hills around the 10th century. It seems he was afflicted with a particularly troublesome skin ailment. So he came to cure himself in the healing spring waters of this land. Possibly, he also sought the medicinal Venga tree that grew here in profusion.

Dharmavarman stayed on to found a kingdom, Vengunad, ‘The Land of the Venga Tree’. And for all the days to come, his descendants held sway over these silent and green foothills. It was in the 19th century that they built Kalari Kovilakom.

Ayurveda Ingredients | Tools

A New Life : Today, Kalari Kovilakom has been restored and recreated into a unique experience in wellness. Combining the healing experience of India’s ancient medicinal system, Ayurveda, with the grace and scale of palace living.

So is it a spa? A Palace hotel? An ayurvedic hospital? An ashram? Kalari is beyond these simply because it is a little of all of these.

The intent and purpose of Kalari Kovilakom is to give you a chance to start your life all over again. Ayurveda, if correctly followed, promises not only a new body and mind, but a deep connection with the spirit. To the ancient Indians, this was a cosmic connection. A chance to be reborn in this life itself.

Shoeless Indulgences : To stay true to the traditions of the palace, no meat, leather footwear or alcohol are allowed at Kalari. You will see echoes of Ashram-like austerity. Yet, enjoy a rare level of amenities and service, part 21st century comfort, part 19th century romance. The original dwellings of the lords and ladies of Vengunad are still yours to delight in, unchanged from times past.

The kovilakam is restored as authentically, adding many modern facilities, without compromising the Palace’s original character. The air-conditioning, the luxury bath fittings and the four – poster beds will certainly lull you, but they shouldn’t mislead you. For Kalari offers unvarnished ayurveda, administered in its purest form, in accordance with millennia-old texts and traditions.

The Healing Touch of Pure Ayurveda : At Kalari, every therapy is personal. Treatments are customised for you doctors, often combined with yoga and other methods to provide deep healing from within and without. Every treatment is based on your needs and your ayurvedic body type. Even the food you’re served is individual, with health drinks and herbal preparations that vary with your treatment.

The result is nothing less than a return to the womb. There are no game rooms, no shopping expeditions, no television sets. The evenings are alive with chanting and hymns, unsullied by the sounds of the city. In fact, apart from these post-dinner gatherings where guests and staff alike participate, there is nothing, absolutely nothing, to disturb your new-found inner silence.

You are in a space like no other on earth that we know of. An atmosphere that makes you conscious only of the potentials within, being slowly unlocked as your therapies progress.

Performing Dhara

Below given are the current programmes available in KALARI KOVILAKAM.

Anti Ageing | Rasayana Chikitsa : Aims at keeping the enzymes in the tissue cells in their normal functioning condition. The cells are revitalized and their composition is changed. The nerves and bones are kept soft and smoothened; tranquility of the mind is promoted. This prevents the process of ageing and makes the individual free from diseases even at an advanced age.

Ayurveda is not only a science, but also an art of appropriate living, which helps to achieve longevity. It can guide every individual in the proper choice of diet, living habits and exercise to restore balance in the body, mind and consciousness, thus preventing disease.

According to authentic Ayurvedic textbooks, rejuvenation must be done only after detoxifying the body. Keeping this principle, Kalari Kovilakam developed a special treatment programme, which goes well with the present lifestyle.

In this Anti ageing programme, the first 2 weeks are reserved for a cleansing treatment to eliminate the toxins. Then, the rejuvenation treatments start, with medicines and diet. Our programme is based on the prime treatment in ayurveda for reducing the aging processes, arresting the degeneration of the body cells and increasing the immunity of the system.

Anti Stress Programme | Manasanthy : It is a proven fact that the mind plays an important role in governing not just the actions we take, but their qualitative nature, ie, how well or badly we act. Anything which manipulates the mind will thus reflect on the body. People facing a lot of stress from their hectic lives thus end up with not only mental, but a host of physical problems too, usually called ‘lifestyle diseases’.

Treatment in Ayurveda

Ayurveda, combined with Yoga offers the perfect answer for this. At Kalari Kovilakam, they have developed a special 14 days programme called ‘Manasanthy’, based on these two ancient systems of wellness. This programme is beneficial for those who are physically and mentally stressed, and/or suffer from conditions like insomnia, lack of concentration, fatigue, tension headaches and so on.

General Rejuvenation – Pancha karma : Panch karma is the classic 5-point revitalisation treatment that’s gaining worldwide fame these days Although Panchakarma is often thought of as the entire procedure, it really is one part of a group of therapies belonging to a class of cleansing procedures called ‘shodhana’. At Kalari, the Panchkarma process is more intensive, following closely the early texts of Ayurveda like the Charaka Samhita and the Sushruta Samhita.

Poorva Karma | Pre Purification Measures : Before the actual processes of purification begins, there is a need to prepare the body in prescribed methods and encourage the body to let go of the toxins.

Pradhana Karma – Main Procedure : There are five basic Shodhanas, or cleansing methods.

1. Nasyam [ Elimination of toxins through the nose.]
2. Vamanam [ Therapeutic vomiting.]
3. Virechanam [ Purgation.]
4. Vasthy [ Enema.]
5. Rakthamoksham [ Detoxification of the blood.]

Paschat Karma | Post Purification Measures : It is important to follow a diet and lifestyle that is harmonious with one’s constitution. If not patients could worsen their condition by suppressing the renewed healing energies. The toxins may then directly enter cleansed tissues and go deeper than before.

Slimming Programme | Thaulyakna Chikilsa : Diet pills lower the body’s fat set points by speeding up the organism, making both body and brain work faster. This increases Vata, which makes both body and mind crave for more sweets to balance.

Ayurveda believes in speeding up organism in healthy natural ways, with treatments to increase fat metabolism, exercise, herb-based diet supplements and the use of light non-kapha producing foods, which control vata while relieving the system of excess kapha.

Food Served in Kalari

Food For The Inner You : ‘You are what you eat’ isn’t just granny’s favourite saying. It’s one of the key underlying principles of Ayurveda. Ayurvedic diets, contrary to common belief, do not prohibit meats or wines. Rather, they stress moderation, and selection of foods in harmony with your body type.

Ayurveda also gives us the unique idea of food as medicine. The ancients believed that a person’s diet had the power to cure many ailments, large and small.

A Dispensary of Taste : Kalari Kovilakom’s pure Ayurvedic kitchen is a shrine to ideas first outlined by the ayurvedic physicians of more than a thousand years ago. Foods are prepared in brass, iron or clay vessels only. And chef Nayaranan Kutty weaves his pure vegetarian magic with only the minimum of oil and almost no chillis.

You may find your first meal at Kalari somewhat bland, specially if you’re a curry lover or a steak-eggs-ketchup-and-mustard kind of person. But within a day or two, something strange happens. Your palate softens, becomes more sensitive. Suddenly, the subtle flavours of pure spices and fresh tropical vegetables begin to come to the fore. Each meal becomes a medley of subtle textures and aromas, rather than the taste assaults most of us are used to. Even better, you need to eat less and less to feel completely sated!

Fresh Air for Starters : A meal in Kalari’s pillar-framed, breezy dining area usually begins with tumblers of lukewarm, herb-medicated waters, your serving being based on your body type and our physician’s recommendation. This helps to prime the stomach, readying it for the food to follow.

The highlight of the meal is next, a gleaming brass thali. It arrives covered in a banana leaf section, sliced to fit, and offset by rows of glistening katoris, or cups.

Working with your treatments in mind, chef Narayanan conjures up a harmony of tastes. A raw sprout and onion salad may be balanced with a creamy dish of the local bitter gourd. And a mound of the steaming, fibre-rich red rice could be complemented with a thick lentil and dry jackfruit combo. Whole wheat chapatis or dosas (Indian unleavened breads) could be served up with a piquant, low-spice sambar.

As with all the treatments at Kalari, our diet programmes are designed to stay with you long after you leave. Based on your ayurvedic body type, our physicians create comprehensive lists of foods that favour you and those that don’t. So if you can choose to be a little more conscious, you can easily carry your new-found sense of well- being into all your future meals.

GETTING THERE : Kalari Kovilakom Palace is located in the old princely capital town of Kollengode in the foothills of the Annamalai range, Kerala, India.

The nearest International Airport is Cochin, 105 km, or about two-and-a-half hours drive away. Coimbatore Airport. is 75 km away and Palghat is the nearest railway station (on the Mumbai-Trivandrum route), a mere hours’ drive.

Seasons

• Jan – Mar | These months are cool (well, 28-34 C) and dry
• Apr – May | Peak summer.
• June – Aug | These are the Monsoon (rainy) months. In ayurveda, this is considered a specially good time for healing.
• Sept – Dec | A pleasant and dry period, usually the main tourist season.

Accommodation

• 18 palatial suites that offer the experience of authentic palace living.
• The Old Guest Wing, with ’20s colonial Western-styled rooms.
• The Palace Wing, which has traditional Kerala architecture reminiscent of the ‘zenana’.

Culinary Experience : Ayurvedic vegetarian food, prepared in a pure Ayurvedic kitchen. The food served to you is based on your therapies, constitution & treatments and varies accordingly.

Healing and Wellness

• Ayurvedic Rejuvenation Therapy: 14-, 21- and 28- day Ayurveda experiences.
• Rejuvenative and therapeutic programmes.
• Anti-ageing.
• Beauty and skin treatments.
• Anti-stress therapies.
• Personalised yoga.
• Training and demonstrations of Kalaripayattu.
• Kerala’s traditional Martial Art.

For more details visit
www.kalarikovilakam.com

Kerala is believed to have sprung up from the depth of the Arabian sea when lord PARASURAMA, the incarnation of Vishnu heaved his axe in remorse to the wanton destruction and cruelty he had wrought upon the KSHATRIYA‘s in a war. The Brahmin had offered severe penance atop the mountains of the Western Ghats.

PEOPLE WO PADDY [RICE] FIELD

Man has inhabited this land from time immemorial. Like many other civilizations, the origin of culture of in Kerala is shrouded in the mist of time. Many theories exist as to its development but none have confirmed with any substantial merits the anthropology of the state. But what is most distinct is the fact that Kerala has been the most cosmopolitan and peace loving state in India. It has served as a melting pot for the cultures from the orient and the occident. A flourishing market of spices, she was called upon by the ships from all continents to collect the valuables and riches that made them. Ancient roman statesmen even chided their citizens for the extravaganza they showed in procuring luxuries from Kerala. Nowhere else in the world, not even in the most urban centers of the developed world would you find people with such divers cultural and religious background living together in friendly and peaceful manner. When the Jews were driven out of central Asia during the BC’s, they came to Kerala.

When St.Thomas came here, he was amazed at the religious liberty given by the state to all its people. He established a church in Kerala in the year 52 AD when even Constantinople did not have a church. When prophet Muhammad founded Islam, Keralites embraced it and the kings here invited Arabic architects to raise mosques out of the sand.

A TYPICAL KERALA HOME

This tolerance of cultural values have persisted through the ages precisely for the reasons of antiquity, unity, continuity and universality of its nature. In its widest sense it embraces the highest achievements of the human spirit in every sphere of life. Thus, in its totality, it represents the quintessence of the collective achievements of a people in the fields of religion and philosophy, language and literature, art and architecture, education and learning and economic and social organization. In fact, all through its history the genius of Kerala has blossomed forth in all its vigor and vitality and has helped its people to reach the peak of excellence in all their endeavors.

Life in Kerala : A festival of COLORS and FLAVORS

Life in Kerala is one of the finest in the world. The social indices in Kerala point to a figure of excellence that envies even states from Europe. Its festivals and festivities have woven together an intricate pattern of colors, flavors and the spirit of life. Kerala has a wealth of folklore, folktales, folk songs, folk arts, folk beliefs, taboos and superstitions. You will come to read more about them in the ensuing links.

KERALA : A MURAL from the HEAVENS…

TEA ESTATE IN MUNNAR

Kerala is blessed with the natural bounties like air water and fertile land. Sandwiched between the mountains on the east and the vast oceans in the west, she has 44 rivers cutting across her length of 500 kms. 41 of them are west flowing and 3 of them are east flowing. They are rain fed by the monsoons every year, which paints a fresh coat of green on everything that springs from her surface. Waterfalls like the silver ornaments on a woman’s hair daunt the mountains and down below, her palm-fringed shores are kissed by the waves from the Arabian ocean.

HOUSEBOAT

The coastal state of Kerala lying on the Southwestern tip of India has commonly been called the tropical paradise of India. Bounded by Arabian Sea at one side and the Western Ghats on the other, the beautiful land with stunning beauty has an equable and tropical climate offering a pleasing atmosphere throughout the entire year. This coastal state has hot and humid climate during April-May and pleasant, cold climate in December-January.

Summer extends from the month of April to June when the temperature reaches to a maximum of 33 degrees centigrade. Summer is followed by South West Monsoon that starts pouring in the month of June and continues till September. With the arrival of winter there is certain drop in the temperature and you can feel a slight chill due to the cold wind. Winter in Kerala lasts from from November to January or February.

ELEPHANT HERD IN PERIYAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

The topography and the geographical relief features are marked by distinct changes from east to west and consists of

1. The Western Ghats

   The mighty Western Ghats, a sequence of Rocky Mountains, edges the eastern boundary of Kerala and ascends roughly up to 1,500 m above sea level with the lofty peaks rising up to 2,500 m.

2. Hill and Valleys

   The narrow piece of land on the eastern border, close to the Western Ghats, encompasses precipitous hills, deep valleys and gorges which are covered with thick woods. Almost all the rivers of the state originate here.

   Midland Plains- These plains which lie along central Kerala, are located in the west of the hills and mountains.

3. Coastal Belt

   The narrow belt of coastal land along the Arabian Sea is characterized by paddy fields, rows of coconut trees and serene, and backwaters internally linked by rivers and inland waterways.

4. Backwaters and Rivers

   The Backwaters consists of lakes and inlets of oceans which straggle out in the land. The largest backwater is the Vembanad Lake which stretches out into the Arabian Sea at Cochin Port.

   

   HOUSEBOAT IN KERALA LAKE

   There are 49 river/lakes flowing in the state of Kerala, among them 46 flows to the west and the other 3 flow to the east. They evolve from Western Ghats and rush towards the west into the Arabian Sea.

5. Rivers, Lakes and Backwaters

   Kerala, the South Western state of Indian Peninsula can be rightly called the land of water bodies with numerous majestic waterfalls and calm backwaters, 34 lakes with sparkling azure and emerald waters, and 49 rain-fed river/lakes with copious tributaries and distributaries flowing through the land. A large number of lakes form superb destinations for backwater tours in Kerala.

The still waters of the serene lakes offer a feeling of tranquility amidst nature and one seems to get lost in the world of his own thoughts. Some of these lakes are Sasthamkotta Lake, Vembanad Lake, The Ashtamudi Lake, Pookot Lake and Akkulam Lake.

Soil and Vegetation-The state of Kerala with its wide array of topographical features such as coastlines along the Arabian Sea, hills of the Western Ghats, valleys, abundant water bodies ,is the reserve of diverse types of soil such as red, ferruginous, sandy, black, peat and loamy soil.

TIGER IN PERIYAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

There are an assortment of flora and other plantation crops which grow in these soils. The natural vegetation of Kerala comprises 3,872 flowering plants including 900 plants of great medicinal value.

The forested regions with an area of 9,400 km comprises tropical wet evergreen partly-evergreen forests with thick undergrowth in the lower and mid altitudes, tropical damp and arid deciduous forests in the middle altitudes plus mountainous subtropical and temperate (shola) forests in the precipitous hills. Kerala basically thrives on agriculture.

The main crops are paddy, coconut, pepper, cashew, cassava and plantation crops like rubber and cash crops are tea and coffee, spices, nutmeg, vanilla and cashew nut.

Onam marks the homecoming of legendary King Mahabali is an annual harvest festival, celebrated mainly in the south Indian state of Kerala.

It is a popular festival among the cultural repertoire of Malayalees, and falls during the month of Chingam (August/September as per the Gregorian calendar), the first month of the Malayalam calendar, and lasts for ten days. Traditionally celebrated as a harvest festival, mythologically it is linked to Malayalee–Hindu folktales; but Onam is celebrated by people of all religions .

ONA POOKKALAM

Significance

Onam has two specific significances. First it is the communal memory and celebration of past history as enunciated in the Mahabali legend – a story of how paradise was lost. Second it is the celebration of the harvest, tied with the memory of the golden age of prosperity. It is believed that during those days the whole of Chingam was celebrated as Onam season. After the rain-drenched month of Karkidakam, with its privations, Chingam is a welcome month for people in the state of Kerala.

THIRUVATHIRA KALI

The festival is the harbinger of spring — signalling the start of the harvest season. Onam epitomises the newfound vigour and enthusiasm of the season, and is celebrated with traditional fervour with visits to temples, family get-togethers, gifting of clothes called Onakkodi and lots of merrymaking. The Keralites perform the Mohiniattam Dance, dedicated to the female form of Vishnu Mohini. There is also the Krishnanaattam dance. Many Keralites also worship Narayani. Sri Narayani Peedam and Sri Bangaru Adigalar of Kerala and their followers claim that these two figures are a forms or avatars of the goddess Sri Narayani. Thiruvathira kali is another dance form performed at the time of onam.Onam is celebrated with flower,and sadhya(Kerala food).The flowers are decorated on the floor to welcome Mahabali.

Legend

Kashyapa had two wives, Diti and Aditi, who were the parents of demons and demigods (Asuras and Devas) respectively. Indra, the king of demigods, went to war with the king of Asuras. Mahabali, the King of Asuras, defeated Indra and proceeded to occupy Indra’s territory. Kashyapa, who had gone to the Himalayas to do penance, on his return found Aditi weeping over the defeat of her son, Indra. By divine insight, Kashyapa recognised the cause of grief. Kashyapa tried to console Aditi who was wailing in grief, saying that nothing happens in the world without God’s will and people should go on doing their duties. Kashyapa asked Aditi to pray to Lord Narayana and taught her Payovrata, a ritual that has to be observed from the 12th day of the bright half of Karthika (Sukla-paksha Dwaadasi). Since Aditi carried out the Vrata with a pious heart, Lord Narayana appeared before her and informed her that he would himself place a child in her womb and help Indra. Later, on the 12th day of the bright half of the month of Bhadrapada, Aditi gave birth to a son of uncommon effulgence. That child, “Vamana-murti”, demonstrated his divine powers by doing marvellous deeds even when he was a child.

Balichakravarthi (Bali, The Emperor) or Mahabali, was the grandson of Prahlad (son of Hiranya Kashyapu) who met Vishnu in his Narasimha Avatar. Prahalad, despite being an Asura, had great faith in Vishnu. One cannot miss the series of warfare between Vishnu and the Asuras – those born of the breath of God. Bali Maharaj, sat in Prahlad’s lap as a child and learnt love and devotion of Lord Vishnu from Prahlad. Mahabali’s rule was considered as the golden era of Kerala. The celebration of Onam resounds and chants the following song all over Kerala:

“ When Maveli, our King, ruled the land,
All the people were as One.
And people live joyful and merry;
They were all free from harm.
There was neither anxiety nor sickness,
Death of the children were never even heard of,
There were no lies,
There is neither theft nor deceit,
And no one is false in speech either.
Measures and weights were right;
No one cheated or wronged their neighbor.
When Maveli, our King, ruled the land,
All the peoples formed one casteless race.”

The gods were very annoyed as Bali became the ruler of all the three worlds having defeated the Devas. Violence was inflicted upon the Devas [gods]. The gods approached Vishnu and asked for his help them. Mahabali, who was performing the sacrificial rite of Viswajith Yagna or Aswamedha Yagna on the banks of Narmada River, declared that he would give anything that anyone sought from him during this Yagna. He Vishnu, incarnated in the form of Vamana, a dwarf to defeat the Daityas.

Vamana came to the Yaga-shala. As he was approaching them, the sages assembled there perceived the extraordinary effulgence form of the young lad. Mahabali went forth to receive the Brahmin boy with all traditional honours and gave him an eminent seat befitting the status of a holy person. Bali with the usual courtesy given to the people who come to ask for help told him

Master! It is my good fortune that you have chosen to honour me with your presence. Whatever you desire, I am here ready to fulfill the same.

Vamana smiled and said:

“You need not give me anything great. It is enough if you give me that extend of land covered by three footsteps of mine”.

On hearing him, Bali’s preceptor, the Brahmin Shukracharya (a Daitya priest) who had vision of the future told Bali that the one, who had come to take alms from Bali was not an ordinary Brahmin but Lord Narayana Himself who had assumed this form. He advised Bali not to promise the lad anything. But Bali was a king who would never go back on his word. He told his Guru that he would never break his promise as it was a sin. Shukracharya insisted that he should not fulfill the demand of Vamana as he had come to deprive Bali of all his possessions.

Bali, however, was determined to honour the word given to Vamana, begged pardon of his Guru for disregarding his advice. Earlier, while Bali was embarking on the war with Indra, he had prostrated at the feet of his preceptor, Shukracharya, and on his advice he performed the Vishwajit Yagna from which he secured very powerful weapons. It was only because of Shukracharya’s help that he was able to conquer Indra. On this occasion, Bali was not prepared to heed the advice of the same preceptor.

Shukracharya cursed Bali, saying:

‘As you have not heeded your Guru’s words, you will be reduced to ashes’.

Bali was firm and replied:

‘I am prepared to face any consequence but will not go back on my word’.

Saying so, he asked Vamana to measure the three feet of land as desired by him. All attempts of Shukracharya to dissuade Bali from offering the land desired by Vamana proved futile. Bali considered everyone who came to him as god himself and never refused anyone anything that they have asked.

Bali told his Guru:

“Prana (life) and Maana (honour) are like the two eyes of a person. Even if life goes, honour should be protected. Knowing that the person that has come now is the Lord Himself, I should be the most fortunate one as the Lord, who gives everything to mankind, is seeking something from me.”

Bali boasted that even in Vishnu himself were to come to his sacrifice and ask for anything, Bali would deliver it. Onappottan, a symbolic representataion of King Mahabali. Onappottan visists houses during the onam and gives blessings. Off late onappottan has become a rare sight, confined to villages.Vamana grew in size until he towered above the heavens. With one foot, he measured all of the earth. With the other, he claimed all of the heaven. There was still one foot of territory that Bali owed him. Bali asked to place the final step on his head as the third step of land which Lord Vamana had asked for as alms. Vamana placed the third step on the head of Bali and suppressed him to Patala, the underworld. For the devotion of this Daitya Mahabali, Lord Vishnu (Vamana) granted him rule over Patala. Vamana aka Vishnu granted Bali the boon that he would hold the position of Indra for one Manvantara , thus fulfilling his devotee’s desire ( the office of Indra being a rotating position , changing every Manvantara ).

ONAPOTTAN

As a last wish Mahabali was granted the permission to visit his subjects once a year. Thus, Keralites celebrate Onam festival to commemorate the memory of a Great King Mahabali who would keep his promise. Mahabali fulfilled his name as the great martyr for the sake of Truth (“Satya”). The name “Mahabali” itself means Great Sacrifice.

During Onam, the feast and festive mood of the people, dressed in their best, is considered reminiscent of the prosperous and truthful life of the subjects during Bali’s flawless reign. People wear new clothes (Vastra) during Onam. The ‘Vastra’ also stands for heart. Thus the significance of wearing new clothes is about making the heart new by removing all bad thoughts and feelings. People forgetting their sectarian outlooks, join together to welcome the auspicious ‘Thiruvonam’ day.

Alternate Legend :

In an alternate legend, it is believed by many Malayalees that during the Onam Parasurama visits Kerala. Dr. Gundert defines in his Malayalam Dictionary, Onam, as the day that Parasurama recovered Kerala from the sea.

Though the origin of Ayurveda is wrapped in mystery, yet if you believe legends, then ayurveda was the creation of Lord Brahma himself. Ayurveda finds mention in the ancient vedas and he was the one who created the four vedas – Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda and Atharva Veda. Legends apart, the fact is that ayurveda has, since ages, managed to establish its credence despite the growth and development of modern treatment.

In India, Kerala is the only place where ayurveda is practised in the same previous way. The ayurvedic doctors here, unlike the rest of India, are fairly well aware of the Sanskrit language. This enables them to understand the ancient system of treatment much better than others (since the early ayurvedic books were written in Sanskrit). Moreover, the salubrious climate of Kerala and abundance of herbs and medicinal plants add to the effective treatment. Kerala’s equable climate, natural abundance of forests (with a wealth of herbs and medicinal plants), and the cool monsoon season (June – November) are best suited for Ayurveda’s curative and restorative programs. In fact, today Kerala is the only state in India, which practices this system of medicine with absolute dedication. Rejuvenate your body, mind and soul by taking Ayurveda treatment atleast once in your life time.

Ayurveda, harmony of body, mind and soul : Ayurveda evolved around 600 BC in India. This newsystem of medicine stressed on the prevention of body ailments in addition to curing them. Followed by the Dravidians and Aryans alike, Ayurveda has been practised ever since. Today, it’s a unique, indispensable branch of medicine – a complete naturalistic system that depends on the diagnosis of your body’s humours – vata, pitta and kapha – to achieve the right balance.

Ayurveda believes in the treatment of not just the affected part, but the individual as a whole. Making it the natural way to refresh yourself, eliminate all toxic imbalances from the body and thus regain resistance and good health.

Kerala, the land of Ayurveda : Kerala’s equable climate, natural abundance of forests (with a wealth of herbs and medicinal plants), and the cool monsoon season (June – November) are best suited for Ayurveda’s curative and restorative packages.In fact, today, Kerala is the only State in India which practises this system of medicine with absolute dedication.

Monsoon, the ideal time for rejuvenation : Traditional texts reveal that the monsoon is the best season for rejuvenation programmes. The atmosphere remains dust-free and cool, opening the pores of the body to the maximum, making it most receptive to herbal oils and therapy.

REJUVENATION THERAPY (RASAYANA CHKITSA) :

Tones up the skin and rejuvenates and strengthens all the tissues so as to achieve ideal health and longevity. Increases ‘Ojas’ (primary vitality) and improves ‘Sattva’ (mental clarity) and thereby increases the resistance of the body. Includes head and face massage with medicated oils and creams, body massage with herbal oil or powder by hand and foot, internal rejuvenative medicines and medicated steam bath. Herbal baths are also used.

Body Immunisation And Longevity Treatment (Kayakalpa Chikitsa) : Prime treatment for retarding the ageing process, arresting the degeneration of body cells and immunisation of the system. Includes intake of Rasayana (special Ayurvedic medicines and diet) and comprehensive body care programmes. Most effective for either sex if undertaken before the age of 50.

Body Sudation (Sweda Karma) : Medicated steam baths eliminate impurities from the body, improve the tone and complexion of the skin, reduce fat and are recommended for certain rheumatic diseases, particularly for pain. Precious herbs and herbal leaves are boiled and the steam is passed over the entire body for 10 to 20 minutes daily. Hand massage with herbal oils or herbal powder improves blood circulation and tones up the muscles.

Body Slimming : Medicated herbal powder and medicated herbal oil massages, an Ayurvedic diet of herbal juices etc. are part of the programme.

Beauty Care : Herbal face pack, herbal oil massage, intake of herbal tea etc. improves complexion and beautifies the body.

Mental And Physical Well Being (Meditation and Yoga) : Mental and physical exercises meant to isolate the ego from the body and mind – designed to hone your concentration, improve health and help attain peace of mind through eight stages of training :

1. Disciplined behaviour (yama)
2. Self purification (niyama)
3. Bodily postures such as the lotus position (asana)
4. Control of breathing (pranayama)
5. Control of the senses (pratyahara)
6. Fixing of the mind on a chosen object (dharana)
7. Meditation (dhyana) and
8. Samadhi – a state of being where you experience absolute tranquility and well being.

Overall Fitness (Panchakarma Treatment) : A five fold treatment for mental and physical well being – tunes the body, organs, mind, breath, nerves and purifies the blood.

THERAPEUTIC PROGRAMMES :

Ayurvedha Dhara

Treatment for chronic headaches, insomnia, mental tension and cases of hysteria, hallucination and insanity. (Dhara) : Herbal oils, medicated milk or butter milk and decoctions are poured on the forehead/whole body in a special manner. Variations include Oordhwanga Dhara (good for diseases of the eyes, ears and skin), Takra Dhara (for those suffering from memory loss, severe headache or insanity) and Sarvanga Dhara (for both head and body).

Treatment to alleviate osteoarthritis, leukemia etc. (Snehapanam) : Medicated ghee is given internally in a gradually increased quantity for specific periods.

Treatment for dryness of nostrils, mouth and throat, severe headaches, facial paralysis and burning sensation in the head. (Sirovasti) : Lukewarm herbal oils are poured into a leather cap fitted on the head for specific durations as per physician’s recommendation.

Treatment for spondilosis, rheumatic diseases like arthritis, paralysis, hemiplegia, nervous weaknesses and nervous disorders.(Pizhichil) : Lukewarm herbal oil is applied with fresh linen all over the body by trained masseurs in a rhythmic manner for a period of 1 to 1. ^{5 hours daily for 7 to 21 days.}

Treatment for diseases like hemiplegia, paralysis, obesity and certain rheumatic ailments.(Udvarthanam) : Therapeutic massage with herbal powders.

Treatment for musculo-skeletal ailments due to trauma or accidents.(Marma Chikitsa) : Treatment that works on the extremely sensitive vital points of the body (the 107 marmas).

Treatment for nasal ailments. (Nasyam) : Inhalation of medicated herbal preparations, decoction oils, ghee etc. to eliminate the morbid factors from the head and neck area.

Ayurveda Nasyam

Treatment for ear ailments. (Karnapooranam) : Medicated oils are applied to the ear for 5 to 10 minutes daily to clean as well as treat specific ailments.

Preventing cataract and strengthening vision. (Tharpanam) : A treatment for the eyes effective in preventing cataract and strengthening the optic nerve.

Treatment for wasting of muscles, rheumatism, sports injuries, pain in the joints, emaciation of the body or parts of the body and certain kinds of skin diseases. (Njavarakizhi) :

The whole body is made to perspire by the external application of medicated rice packs in the form of boluses tied in muslin bags.

POPULAR AYURVEDA CENTRES IN KERALA

KALARI KOVILAKAM : A centuries old palace, once home to the kings of Vengunad, Kalari kovilakom is steeped in history. Today it provides the ideal setting for the age-old traditions of Ayurveda, offered with absolutely no compromises. Which makes life at Kalari Kovilakom a unique blending of two different worlds, one that quietly balances luxury and austerity – to bring about harmony of the outer, material world and the inner, spiritual world.

MARARI BEACH : Sprawled expansively across 25 acres of land, Marari Beach resort, like its namesake, is separated from the sea by a windbreak of stretching palms. There are a mere 52 cottages, so the sense of space here is much more dramatic. The cottages are separated by generous stretches of open parkland, dotted with fruit-laden trees. The winding village pathways are a faithful echo of the originals.

THE TRAVANCORE HERITAGE -AYURVEDA CENTRE : Travancore Heritage is located just 23 kms from Trivandrum, the capital city of the Indian state of Kerala, known as ‘god’s own country’ in the southern most part of India. The nearest international airport is Trivandrum. The resort is situated by the side of the Kovalam – Poovar road, and is only 40 minutes drive from the airport.

AQUASERENE : Tucked away in a peninsula surrounded by water. Aquaserene is a green, green planet of shimmering lagoon, meandering canals, whispering palms and the tang of the ocean. Aquaserene. It’s another world. And it’s waiting for you in God’s Own Country – Kerala.

POOVAR ISLAND RESORT : Located in Kerala, India which was recently chosen by the National Geographic Traveler as one of the 10 paradises found on earth and one of the 50 ‘Must See’ places of the world. Get away from the Noise and Pollution of the Big cities and have a Holiday in the lap of Mother Nature.

KUMARAKOM LAKE RESORT : Nestled in the mangrove woods surrounding the Vembanad Lake in Kumarakom, the Lake Resort offers you a getaway of a lifetime.

VAGAMON HIDE OUT : This man made heritage hideout is located at Vagamon, (Idukki), barely 100 kms away from Cochin International Airport.

ESTUARY ISLAND : is world class resort located at Poovar, near Trivandrum in the state of Kerala, India. The uniqueness starts from the natural setting – where a lake, river, sea and beach meet.

THE LEELA KEMPINSKI KOVALAM BEACH : 15 kms from Trivandrum (Thiruvanathapuram) Airport, Kerala’s largest resort with 194 guest rooms and suites is spread over 44 acres. The Leela Kovalam Beach, Kerala built on a rock-face, is cradled between two wide sweeping beaches and has a panoramic view of the famous Kovalam coastline.

COCONUT LAGOON : Coconut Lagoon is our attempt to capture the essence of the Kerala experience and then offer it in a unique setting. We like to believe that this is the reason why Condé Nast Traveller rated Coconut Lagoon among the 25 best getaways in the world.

SOMATHEERAM AYURVEDIC BEACH RESORT : is the first of its kind for holidayers to combine the threesome; a Beach Resort with Ayurveda and Yoga. Somatheeram, sitting atop a hill spreads over an area of 15 acres of lush greenery. Its accommodations are widely scattered down the contoured hills amongst the verdant coconut groves and other naturally preserved plants.

UDAY SAMUDRA : The ayurvedic philosophy says, an individual bundle of ‘spirit’, desires to express itself! uses the subjective consciousness or Satwa to manifest sense organs and mind. Spirit and mind then introduces themselves into the physical body, which consists of the five (pancha) great (maha) eternal elements (bhutas) together called the Panchamahabhutas which arise from Tamas (inertia).

KAIRALI AYURVEDIC RESORT : Situated in the scenic town of Palakkad in Kerala, the famed southern state of India, Kairali Ayurvedic Health Resort is the perfect retreat for the discerning traveler.Palakkad is well connected by rail, road and air. Palakkad is just a 6 hour drive from Bangalore .The nearest airport is Coimbatore which is just an hours drive away.

TAJ GARDEN RETREAT : Located at the Taj Residency, Calicut, the Taj Ayurveda Centre offers the perfect combination of comfortable luxury and authentic Ayurvedic treatments. Rated as the number one Ayurvedic centre in the country by the U.K. newspaper “Guardian” and winner of the “Green Leaf Award” by the India Department of Tourism, this Centre adheres to the highest standards of Ayurveda principles as well as guest satisfaction.

ASTHAMUDI AYURVEDA RESORT : Ashtamudi Resorts is a family concern run by the owner-couple, Lekshmi and Venu, who lived outside India for over 15 years. The Resort is a dream-come-true project of the couple. The theme of this resort is the re-creation of a South Travancore kingdom and the guests who come here will have the comforts of a Maharaja to enjoy.

KERALEEYAM LAKE SIDE AYURVEDIC RESORT : Heritage style air conditioned rooms with modern private facilities attached. The facility has a panoramic backwater frontage.Interiors reflect ambience of traditional Kerala homes.

LAKE PALACE BACKWATER RESORT : Lake Palace is a luxury resort located in Alleppey at the banks of Vembanadu Lake, adjacent to the venue of the legendary Nehru Trophy boat race.

SWASWARA : Life… the journey that takes you beyond the sun, the sand and the sea to the soul of the beach. And to experience this in a better way is the journey through Yoga.

For More Information on Ayurveda & Ayurvedic Packages , Visit

• http://www.nagarjun.com/
• http://www.ayurvedatourpackages.com/
• http://www.ayuryog.com/
• http://www.ayurveda-in.com

Names of Districts
Thiruvananthapuram
Kollam
Alappuzha
Pathanamthitta
Kottayam
Idukki
Ernakulam
Thrissur
Palakkad
Malappuram
Wayanad
Kozhikode
Kannur
Kasaragod

Major Cities : Thiruvananthapuram,Kochi & Kozhikode.
Taluks : 61
Revenue Villages : 1452
City Corporations : 5
Grama Panchayat : 991
Block Panchayat : 152
District Panchayat : 14

Population

Population : 318.39 [ 2001 Census ] (31.839 Millions)
Density of Population : 819 per sq kms
Share in the National Population : 3.1 per cent
District Average : 22.74 lakhs (2.274 millions)
Sex Ratio : 1058 women for 1000 men

Literacy

Literacy Rate : 90.92 per cent.
Male Literacy Rate : 94.20 per cent
Female Literacy Rate ; 87.86 per cent

Educational Infrastructure

Lower Primary Schools (I – IV) : 6712
Upper Primary Schools (V – VII) : 2951
High Schools (VIII – X) : 2608
Total Number of Schools : 12271

Higher Education

Higher Education Universities : 7
Arts and Science Colleges : 286

Physical Quality of Life Index (PQLI) : Kerala has had a commendable record in terms of the Physical Quality of Life Index. Indicators of PQLI like infant mortality (11%), female literacy (87.86%), and life expectancy at birth for males (68.23).The major reason for this achievement is Kerala’s focus on the service sector. About 37% of the total annual expenditure of the State is earmarked for health and education. Another reason for this is the existence of a larger network of hospital infrastructure under the Directorate of Health Services with 933 primary health centres and 5094 sub-centres.

Health Care Infrastructure

Immunisation has been near total in the year 2002 – 03.
T.T for Pregnant Women : 86.1%
T.T for 5 year old : 89.2%
T.T for 10 year old : 98.1%
T.T for 16 year old ; 95%
DPT : 95.8%
BCG : 103%
Polio: 95.3%
Anti-measles : 90.6%
Rate of Diseases per 1000 People -
Leprosy : 0.66
Malaria : 0.36
Filaria : 1.28
Tuberculosis : 0.70

Transaportation
Air: There are three international airports in the state. They are at Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode and Nedumbassery (Kochi) and operate international flights and domestic flights.
Road and Rail : The state is well connected by rail and road.

Seaports :

Major : Kochi
Minor : Beypore (Kozhikode), Alappuzha, Kollam.

Major Beaches: Kovalam, Varkala, Fort Kochi, Kappad and Bekal.

Major Wild Life Sanctuaries : Thekkady (Periyar), Parambikkulam, Wayanad, Silent Valley, Aralm,Peechi-Vazhani, Chimani, Shenduruny, Idukki, Chinnar,Peppara, Neyyar.

Bird Sanctuary : Thattekad,Kumarakom.
Major Hill Stations : Ponmudi,Peerumade, Thekkady, Munnar and Wayanad.
Farm / Cash Crops : Rubber, Coffee, Tea, Spices, Pepper, Cashew, Coconut, Arecanut and rice.
Exports : Marine, Coir, Handicrafts, Spices, Food and other Products.
Major Industries : Tourism, Information Technology,Fertilizer, Oil Refining and Power Generation, Ship Building,

KATHAKALI

The culture of Kerala is one of its kinds in India. Traditional yet modern, the fascinating aspects of Kerala culture have been covered in our related sections. You will be amused to read about the rich cultural heritage of Kerala, which till date is intact in almost all natives of Kerala. The traditional rituals and sacred practices are very much alive even today. People over there are fiercely protective of their cultural heritage and are very proud of it.

Performing Arts A slice of Culture!

MOHINIYAATTAM

Kerala’s performing arts are feast to the eyes of tourists. A sheer variety of art forms, when performed by consummate artistes with the requisite paraphernalia make watching them worth. Legends and legendary characters resurrect from the dog-eared pages of history books and make their apparitions on the stages leaving the audience in ecstasy. The attire, roves and facial expressions of the artistes are a sumptuous treat for eyes. Centuries down, Kerala’s performing arts had enjoyed the patronage and pats from successive rulers. Besides, the now defunct feudal system had also contributed for the nourishment of art and culture.

The Northern region of the state is a repertoire of arts and culture. Many of these performing arts are enmeshed with the cultural history of religious communities. While classical art forms such as Kathalkali and Bharathayatyam were the stronghold of upper class, those from lower strata of the society performed dance forms such as theyyam and padayani. If the former class performed in the temple premises and specially erected stages, the later had to venture on streets to show their artistic prowess.

The traditional dance forms of Kerala that we have covered in our related sections are Kathakali, Krishnattam and Mohiniattam. Apart from the dance forms, Kerala also has an ancient form of martial art known as “kalaripayattu”. The music of Kerala is very melodious. There are many forms of music in Kerala, be it vocal or instrumental. People have sets of songs for every occasion. The devotional songs are sung so beautifully that it is no less than a divine experience listening to them attentively.

THEYYAM

There are many folk dances and performance styles in Kerala which include Theyyam – known for its fearsome masks and the trance like state of the performer, Thiruvathirakali – a graceful dance by women during Onam and Kaikotikalli a dance performed by women to celebrate a wedding.

Spectacular visual effects and stunning music are hallmarks of Kerala’s performing arts. In a land which cannot boast of monumental architectural feats, unlike many other parts of India, the performing arts, both individually and collectively, make up for the lost magnificence. No other State in India can match the grandeur and creativity of Kerala’s performing arts. The classical and ritual arts of Kerala have always enjoyed a rich patronage, from the former kings who ruled the state to the latter day democratic governments.

Besides, the aborigines of the state have their own art forms. Cherumarkali, a harvest dance is one among them. Dancers, men and women, with hands entwined, waltz rhythmically to the drumbeats. They will send you into trance. Rapturous moments for audience. Dainty world of performing arts. Engrossing ensemble of dance and folk arts.

FULL MEALS [SADYA]

While music and dance provide food for the soul, the actual “food” of Kerala is a sumptuous treat to anyone who is visiting Kerala. The cuisine has a wide range to choose from. The staple diet of Kerala is rice. There is much in store for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. The vegetarians can choose from a variety of steamed and fried treats, while the non-vegetarians can feast on sea food. Kerala is famous for its handicrafts and art work. Make sure that you buy a work of art as a souvenir for yourself to remind you of Kerala, which is aptly named God’s Own Country.

Kerala’s unique selling point is its rich culture which was mellowed by centuries-old rich heritage. Culture and heritage are pervasive presence across the state and are kept alive through the state’s performing arts.

THRISSUR POORAM

Flamboyant cultural procession is an integral part of any festival here. In temple fests, deities adorned with glittering jewels and colorful garlands are shouldered in the procession to the accompaniment of chanting of hymns, blowing of conches and playing of nadswaram.

To Be Continued……